Comments on: News Flash: It’s Tough for Older Workers Out There

By: Tommy Simmons

Tommy Simmons — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:07:00 +0000

For some reason, this site does not want me to insert terms in quotes - I was trying to use the term quote- over-qualified - end quote at the end of the first sentence, and again in the second-to-last sentence.

By: Tommy Simmons

Tommy Simmons — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:04:38 +0000

As an employment law attorney who counsels employers, one of the most frequent assumptions I hear is that older workers cost more to hire, and that is usually in the context of why the company does not particularly want to hire people who are . My reply to such statements is generally that a job is worth whatever it is worth and that the job and pay offer should be made to the most-qualified candidate regardless of assumptions about wage demands related to age. If the candidate turns the offer down, go on to the next candidate. Older workers sometimes have unrealistic wage expectations, but younger workers do as well. Another thing to keep in mind is that the EEOC is paying more attention to age-related discrimination issues and considers terms such as to potentially be code words for age discrimination. Given the recent shifts in demographics and electoral outcomes in this country, employers can expect more scrutiny on things like this.

By: Tal

Tal — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:14:29 +0000

For the record: I am 51 years old, ah….. young, I mean. I work as an analyst for a market research agency. I’ve seen our clients cutting research budgets lately. I already see less projects coming my way. I am pretty sure going to be laid off.
Now, concerning your article: is there anything positive to say about the future of older workers? Really, I am actually optimistic about my prospects. I am flexible like a young kid AND bring many years of experience and the salary is negotiable of course.